UPDATES
How you can Help:
You can donate online through the QR code above or write a check to Emmanuel Lutheran Church with memo (Boys & Girls Club).
If you write a check, you can bring it to church or mail the check to: 777 Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mooring Line Dr., Naples, FL 34102
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER:
For 17 years, Emmanuel Youth Ministry has proudly supported the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County through their annual “Fore-the-Kids” golf fundraiser. This year our goal is to raise $8,000 to support this incredible mission. Playing for us on “Team Emmanuel”: Deacon Jim, Ray Schrader, Clayton Blomseth and Dennis Reustle. The event will take place on Saturday, November 2, at Pelican Bay.
Why the Boys & Girls Club Matters: The Boys & Girls Club provides a vital service, supporting 3,000 children and teens, ages 6-18, offering a safe environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Their mission is to help young people, especially those who need it most, reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. With 89% of members qualifying for free or reduced lunch and many from non-English-speaking and single-parent households, this organization is making a profound impact on the community.
Your support enables the Boys & Girls Club to continue providing award-winning programs that build self-esteem and instill values in our local youth.
If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Jim Cooper at Jim@NaplesEmmanuel.org or 239-261-0894.
Thank you for being a part of this important cause and for your continued support!
MEET OUR PRAISE TEAM: (left to right)
Elizabeth Canino: When I am not singing, I attend classes at FSW as a full-time student majoring in Elementary Education and working as a guest teacher for Collier County Public Schools. I am also the mother of a beautiful and bright five-year-old boy I share with my partner, Brett Queener. Being a part of the Emmanual Praise Team for the past year and a half has been a blessing, and I am honored to share my gift in His name.
Derek Perry: I joined the church band in 2017, bringing my professional bass guitar experience to the team. When not playing music, I practice law locally. I enjoy coaching Little League and cherish time with my wife, Nicole, and our two children, Ethan (6) and Liv (4). A dedicated member of the legal community, I also love board games and spending quality time with family and friends.
Michael Puchalla: I have participated as a vocalist on the Praise Team for many years, dating back to a karaoke performance at a family retreat at Cedarkirk. My family and I have been members of Emmanuel since 2011. I work in the non-profit sector, focusing on creating more affordable and attainable housing opportunities for members in our community.
Jamie Searles: I was born in West Palm Beach, FL but grew up in South Jersey from shortly after birth until graduation from Virginia Tech in 2005. I earned a degree in architecture, following in my father’s footsteps, which lead me to Naples after graduation. I have been here ever since and am currently running a business with my father who is not only an architect but also a pastor/worship leader at the church in which I grew up.
Joe Carola: I am a person that likes to create music and loves traveling with my family and friends. I love planting coconut trees and garden plants. I am an Electrical Contracting business owner here in Naples going on 14 years.
FALL FESTIVAL FAMILY NIGHT
Next Friday, October 25 at 7 PM, we’re excited to invite you and your loved ones to our Fall Festival! It’s a night full of fun games, delicious food, and great company!
Please bring a dessert to share, and don’t forget to wear your favorite costume for some extra fun! We’ll meet in the Family Life Center. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Everyone is welcome to join us - let’s make unforgettable memories together!
SUNDAY FORUM
The Sunday Forum this week we will hear from Rev. Dr. Rick Bliese and guest speaker, Tasheekia Harris, discussing the topic: The Importance of Taking Care of our Young Women - God and Country.
Tasheekia Harris, a promoter on helping middle and high school girls gain self-confidence, maintain a growth mindset, create positive character traits and core values, will join the Sunday Forum this week.
Join us Sunday at our new time, 10:45 AM, in the Media Center. You won't want to miss the conversation with Tasheekia Harris and Pastor Rick! Click the image to watch the promotional video to prepare for the discussion.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR OUR PEWS
We are excited to announce that our pews are embarking on a new journey at the Corpus Christi Chapel in Naples. As they find a new home, we reflect on the countless moments they’ve witnessed—moments of joy, reflection, and togetherness. We’re grateful that they will now support a new community in their spiritual journey. May these pews continue to inspire and comfort, echoing the faith and love that brought us together.
In a letter from Fr. Timothy van Zee, Chaplain Corpus Christi Chapel in Naples, to Pastor Lillejord, van Zee writes, “We are writing to express our sincere appreciation for your generous donation of the pews to Corpus Christi Chapel in Naples. Your contribution is deeply valued and will significantly benefit our community. Enclosed with this letter, you will find some photographs of the pews in our Chapel.
Once again, we extend our thanks for your kindness and generosity. Your support holds significant value for us, and we are genuinely appreciative. May God bless you and your community abundantly.”
(Pictured: Design and Construction team)
EXCITING PROGRESS IN THE SANCTUARY RENOVATION
It has been an eventful and inspiring week in the sanctuary renovation, especially as we press forward after the pause due to Hurricane Milton. We are thrilled to update you on the tremendous work taking place in this sacred space that will soon be renewed for worship!
This Monday, the work resumed with full force. The focus was on removing the old tile flooring—this time in the upstairs balcony. Our skilled crew managed to fully remove the balcony tiles, which marks a significant step toward the installation of the fresh, new flooring that will bring elegance and warmth to the space.
Even more exciting, work has begun at the front of the sanctuary on the stunning new stonework that will frame both sides of the stained-glass window. Once completed, this feature will truly bring the sanctuary to life with a natural beauty that complements the light and color pouring in through the stained glass. It’s a glimpse of the beauty to come, and we can't wait for you to see it in person!
This is more than just construction—it’s the transformation of a space that will host countless moments of worship, prayer, and community for years to come. We continue to pray over the project and are grateful for your support and patience as we work toward this incredible vision.
Stay tuned for more updates next week!